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Vladivostok, Russia – China and Russia commenced their "Joint Sea-2025" naval exercises in the Sea of Japan on Sunday, August 3, 2025, near the Russian port of Vladivostok, aiming to strengthen their military partnership and counterbalance what they perceive as a U.S.-led global order. The three-day drills, announced by China’s Ministry of National Defence, include submarine rescue, joint anti-submarine, air defense, anti-missile operations, and maritime combat exercises.
Four Chinese warships, including the guided-missile destroyers Shaoxing and Urumqi, are participating alongside Russian vessels, such as the large anti-submarine ship Admiral Tributs and the corvette Rezky. Following the exercises, both nations will conduct joint naval patrols in relevant Pacific waters, according to China’s defense ministry. The Russian Navy Pacific Fleet emphasized that the drills are defensive and not aimed at any third party, as reported by the US Naval Institute.
Japan’s Ministry of Defence expressed concerns last month about the increasing military cooperation between China and Russia, citing potential security risks for the region. While China maintains it is neutral in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, it has not condemned Moscow’s actions and has accused Western nations of prolonging the war by arming Ukraine. European leaders recently urged China to pressure Russia to end the conflict, now in its fourth year, but Beijing has shown no indication of doing so.
